Automation Specialist

Role Summary

This position requires an experienced automation specialist with expertise in power and energy infrastructure systems, including battery energy storage systems (BESS), substations, and generation assets. The role entails supporting commissioning, startup, and operational activities, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance throughout project execution. The incumbent will lead technical efforts, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate across teams to facilitate successful system handover and long-term reliability.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate advanced technical expertise in automation systems supporting commissioning, startup, and operations for power and energy infrastructure projects.
• Support safe, efficient commissioning and system turnover, including coordination of Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), punch-list resolution, and system documentation.
• Develop and execute commissioning plans, procedures, and automation test protocols aligned with industry standards and project requirements.
• Prepare and deliver technical briefings, commissioning readiness reviews, and post-event summaries to project leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant industry standards (e.g., NFPA 70E, IEEE, NERC) and apply best practices in commissioning and operational procedures.
• Collaborate with engineering, construction, operations, and OEMs to ensure design compliance, develop corrective action plans, and facilitate operator training and knowledge transfer.
• Serve as a technical lead for automation standards, including control system configuration, startup/shutdown logic validation, alarm management, SCADA integration, and documentation.
• Support cybersecurity initiatives, control system patching, and hardware lifecycle management during commissioning and operational transitions.
• Troubleshoot PLC/DCS/HMI issues during energization and startup, providing real-time support to minimize downtime.
• Drive continuous improvement by incorporating lessons learned into future commissioning projects and processes.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with a minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in power generation, energy infrastructure, commissioning, or industrial automation.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with a focus on safety, particularly during energization and high-risk activities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and standard field reporting tools.
• Advanced knowledge of enterprise automation systems such as AssetCentre or equivalents for configuration management, backups, and compliance.
• Solid understanding of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA, HMI interfaces, and communication protocols including Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 61850.
• Experience supporting automation workflows, including system turnover, redline validation, and documentation tracking.
• Ability to work on 12-hour rotating shifts, including nights, holidays, and in various conditions such as extreme temperatures, loud environments, and confined spaces.
• Capable of lifting weights up to 50 lbs and performing tasks at elevated levels using ladders, scaffolding, or lifts with appropriate PPE.
  
  
  

Publishing Pay Range: $30.00 – $35.00 hourly

This position is based in the office and requires employee to work on-site.